General information
Fish, in vegetable oil. Processed and canned.
Contaminants and toxins in the fish could come from the fish itself, the fishing grounds, from ingredients, equipment, utensils and even from the cans. These shall not exceed the levels stipulated in the specifications below or country-specific regulatory requirements, whichever is stricter.
The product must not contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and be free from radioactive residues/elements. It cannot contain any substances originating from micro-organisms or any other poisonous or deleterious substances such as anti-nutritional factors, heavy metals, pesticide residues or toxins in amounts which may represent a hazard to health. Analysis of microbiological, chemical contaminant, toxins, heavy metals and pesticide residues must certify the product is “fit for human consumption”. The supplier shall submit related Lab reports / Declarations.
Importation of food is always subject to acceptance from the national authorities, based on their national specifications; check these before purchasing.
Impact on the local, national, or regional market availability and prices should be carefully looked at before purchasing large quantities.
Specifications
For all aspects of the product, unless described otherwise below, the standard of Codex Alimentarius last edition applies, including the packaging.
Specifications vary with national regulations. Here you will find the most commonly used specifications for tuna fish in chunks of the Scrombiform family.
Refer to HQ when offered specifications differ from our standard specifications. These will need to be approved by a food specialist prior to purchase.
For laboratory tests, provide a minimum of 5 tins per batch.
TUNA FISH, in chunks, canned, long preservation
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Fish species
Please be informed that genetic tests may be carried out to identify the fish species |
Thunnus alalonga, Thunnus albacares, Thunnus atlanticus, Thunnus obesus, Thunnus macoyii, Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus tongoe, Euthynnus affinis, Euthynnus alletteratus, Euthynnus lineatus, Katsuwonus pelamis (syn. Euthynnus pelamis), Sarda chilensis, Sarda orientalis, Sarda Sarda |
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Type of oil |
Refined sunflower oil |
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Colour of fish meat |
White tuna, free from dark or different meat |
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Moisture |
70% max. |
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Content of fish meat |
70% min. |
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Content of oil |
15% min. |
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Water |
No water to be added to the product |
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Salt |
2% max. of fish flesh weight |
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Histamine |
10mg/100g max. |
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Microbiology
- Total count for aerobic bacteria/germs at 37°C
- Total count for non-aerobic bacteria/germs at 37°C
- Total count for aerobic bacteria/germs at 55°C
- Total count for non-aerobic bacteria/germs at 55°C
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-
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Stability test |
No pressure increase, no pH difference more than 0.5, no microbiological growth after 7 days under ISO7218
To be done by supplier immediately after production and duly reported |
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Heavy metals
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Presence of spores |
Product should be free of all sorts of Spores, especially "Clostridium Botulinum", by eliminating them with sufficient thermal or radial treatment |
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Shelf life |
Minimum 2 years from manufacturing date |
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Production date |
Less than 1 year at date of delivery |
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Origin |
To be indicated |
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Brand |
To be indicated |
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Net weight |
160g |
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Drained weight |
112g minimum |
Primary packaging
Food grade can of net weight of 160g or 500g, hermetically sealed, showing no sign of corrosion at the welded joints or inside, and no deformation.
Can to offer easy opening system, or to be delivered with folded can opener.
Secondary packaging
In export carton boxes of double corrugation of 10kg net.
Cartons to resist without any damage 6m high stacking for 6 months without deterioration, and a minimum of 10 manual handlings.
The sealing of the outer box is with glue, 50mm tape or strapping; capable of resisting a tropical climate (humidity and sunshine) for six months. Tape overlaps of 10cm minimum.
Labelling
As per Codex STAN 1
Each can to be marked with a label showing:
- Name of the product
- Name of the manufacturer
- List of ingredients
- List of nutritional values
- Lot/Batch identification (can be date of production if day is included)
- Free from culturally restricted components
- Net content weight in g
- Drain content weight in g
- Date of production printed or stamped on the can
- Date of minimum durability, declared as "best before" printed or stamped on the can
Each carton box labelled same as above, plus number of pieces per box.
Minimum documentation required for quality assurance from the supplier.
To be established by an official body:
- Certificate of inspection
- Health Certificate
- Weight and Quality Certificate
- Non-radioactivity Certificate
Other documentation needs to be provided according to the purchase agreement.
Latest update: 14/05/2020